Superbowl Edition: Not So Terrible Towels, Not So Terrible Wine

After last year’s amazing Giants victory over the Patriots (yes, I’m biased), I was heading into tonight’s Superbowl XLIII with a heavy dose of whatevs. That was until I learned about Terrible Towels in yesterday's NY Times. If you’re a football fan, you need no explanation. For the rest of you: Terrible Towels are the battle flags for the Steelers. They cost $7 and for each towel sold, $1 goes to the Allegheny Valley School for people with severe developmental disabilities. They’ve used proceeds for things like high-end wheelchairs and communication devices to those unable to speak. Should the Steelers win sales of Superbowl versions of the towels are expected to take off - and that means more resources for a good cause.

And what will I be sipping while I’m cheering for the Steelers? A 2007 Gainey Riesling from the Santa Ynez Valley ($15). Odds are that it won't work with my famous vegetarian chili, but I’m visiting my parents and it’s the only wine option in the house. I’ll admit, I haven’t tasted many California Rieslings. But what I do know is that this one comes from a small production winery with sustainable farming practices…and that’s always a plus!